State Senator Melissa Melendez takes aim at Governor’s Covid-19 “state of emergency” declaration
Melissa Melendez, the republican state senator representing the Coachella Valley and most of Riverside County, is taking aim at Governor Newsom's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I get emails and calls everyday from republicans, democrats and independents, you name it. They're all saying the same thing, which is let our businesses reopen and let our kids go back to school," said Melendez.
Melendez has authored legislation, SCR-93, which among other things would effectively end the Governor's pandemic-related "state of emergency".
Her bill asserts the state legislature has the authority to terminate a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act.
"We're six months into this. I think it should go bak to the local level," said the state senator.
Melendez says the goal of the legislation is to put decision making authority back in the hands of county supervisors, especially with regard to closures of businesses, schools, and churches, which she thinks should re-open while taking precautionary steps aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus.
It was back on March 4th when the Governor declared the state of emergency allowing him to take action in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since that time, he has signed more than 40 executive orders related to the declaration.
Voters we spoke with are split on Newsom's response to the pandemic.
"I think he's handling it fine, just fine," said Rancho Mirage resident Todd Patch.
"I think if you can have all these retail stores open, why can't you have the church open?" said Desert Hot Springs resident Ellie Howell
Melendez says her legislation is currently "stuck" in the Senate Rules Committee, which is controlled by democrats.
She contends that if enough people statewide push their state senators to consider the measure, SCR-93 would get through the rules committee and on to the full senate.
Melendez says she'll push the legislation every day the senate is in session.
News Channel 3 reached out to Governor Newsom's office and to the head of the Senate Rules Committee, San Diego area State Senator Toni Atkins for comment.
We have not yet received responses.
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